★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience©®™

Monday, February 25, 2013

DATE CHANGE--NAIM NELSON TO TAKE ON GEORGI KEVLISHVILLI ON MARCH 15TH AT VALLEY FORGE CASINO RESORT‏

On FRIDAY NIGHT, MARCH 15TH, Kings Boxing Promotions will stage a historic boxing event at the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

In the main event, undefeated Lightweight Naim “The Dream” Nelson will take on Georgi Kevlishvilli.

Nelson, 22 years old of Philadelphia has a record of 9-0 with 1 knockout.

Nelson turned pro on June 3rd, 2011 with a unanimous decision over Kywayne Hill. The win set off seven victories which included wins over Korey Sloane (1-0) and Esteban Rodriguez (5-1-1). Nelson then won the Pennsylvania Lightweight championship as he had to get off the deck and fight through a bad cut to score a unanimous decision over Victor Vasquez. In his last bout, Nelson scored eight round unanimous decision over Naim Nelson on December 28th as part of the Tomasz Adamek – Steve Cunningham II card in Bethlehem, Pa.

Kevlishvilli, 31 years old of Philadelphia via Gori, (Republic of) Georgia has a recod of 12-4 with 3 knockouts.

Kevlishvilli turned pro in 2004 and won his first eleven fights in Europe which included a win over undefeated Saichon Sotornpitak (10-0) before losing to Ayup Arsaev (8-0) for the WBC Baltic Featherweight title. Kevlishvilli then came to America and scored a split decision victory over Anthony Flores (9-2-1). He has continued to face top competition such as Ronny Rios (13-0); Casey Ramos (13-0) and in his most recent bout, Kevlishvilli dropped a split decision to Frankie Trader (8-1) on October 10, 2012.

In a eight round co-feature, Jr. Middleweight Harry Joe Yorgey (25-2-1, 12 KO’s) will face an opponent to be named.

In an six round co-feature, Angel Luis Ocasio (7-0-2, 2 KO’s) will take part in a six round Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.

In a six round Cruiserweight rematch, Elvin Sanchez (5-2-1, 4 KO’s) of Paterson, NJ will take on Jeremy Stauffer (7-2-2, 6 KO’s) of Reading, Pa. Sanchez and Stauffer fought to a four round draw on November 10, 2012.

In a six round Super Featherweight bout, Jason Sosa (8-1-3, 4 KO’s) of Camden NJ will take on an opponent to be named.

In a four round Jr. Welterweight bout, son of the former Heavyweight champ, Tim Witherspoon Jr. (8-3-1, 2 KO’s) takes on Kywayne Hill (1-10, 1 KO) in a rematch of Philadelphian’s. Witherspoon scored a six round unanimous decision over Hill on January 28, 2011.

Travis Thompson (4-9-1, 3 KO’s) of Pottstown, PA will see action in a four round Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Sulthan Staton of Philadelphia will make his pro debut in a four round Lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Hopkins vs. Cloud, a 12-round fight for Cloud’s IBF light heavyweight title; Undefeated Light Heavyweights Ryan Coyne And Marcus Oliveira Will Meet On Hopkins vs. Cloud Card at Barclays Center On March 9 WBA Light Heavyweight Final Elimination Bout

Hopkins vs. Cloud, a 12-round fight for Cloud’s IBF light heavyweight title, will take place Saturday, March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don King Productions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Ford. The co-main event will be a 12-round fight between top-rated contender Keith Thurman and former world champion Jan Zaveck for Zaveck’s World Boxing Organization Intercontinental welterweight championship. Undefeated Light Heavyweights Ryan Coyne And Marcus Oliveira Will Meet On Hopkins vs. Cloud Card at Barclays Center On March 9

A World Boxing Association light heavyweight elimination bout featuring two undefeated fighters, Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne (21-0, 9 KOs), from St. Louis, and Marcus Oliveira (24-0-1, 19 KOs), from Lawrence, Kan., has been added to the March 9 card in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center headlined by future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (52-6-2, 32 KOs), from Philadelphia, taking on undefeated International Boxing Federation light heavyweight champion Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs), from Tallahassee, Fla.

The winner of Coyne vs. Oliveira, scheduled for 10 rounds, will become the No. 1-rated light heavyweight by the WBA and the mandatory challenger to its champion, Beibut Shumenov.

Coyne gained attention while campaigning as a cruiserweight when he was chosen to participate in the fourth season of the popular television series The Contender where he fought into the semi-finals before suffering an accidental headbutt that forced him to leave the competition. In his final fight at cruiserweight, Coyne captured the World Boxing Council United States Championship after winning a unanimous decision over previously undefeated David McNemar on June 25, 2011. Coyne has maintained his perfect record by notching three victories since moving down to the 175-pound limit.

Oliveira has shown considerable power by winning 19 of his 25 matches by knockout, achieving an 82% knockout ratio. Oliveira scored a pair of third-round knockouts in fights against his most notable opponents: former cruiserweight world champion Kelvin “Concrete” Davis in 2008 and Antwun Echols on Jan. 28, 2012.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Elvir Muriqi and John "Apollo Kidd" Thompson March 15th at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ.

UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT ANTHONY JUICE YOUNG SIGNS WITH GH3 PROMOTIONS

Vito Meilnicki’s GH3 Promotions is proud to announce the signing of undefeated Welterweight Anthony “Juice”Young.

Young, 24 years old of Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 6-0 with two knockouts and will make his debut for GH3 Promotions on Friday night, March 15th at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey in a four round bout against an opponent to be named.

Said Vito Mielnicki, of GH3 Promotions, “We are very excited to add “Juice“ to our roster that already includes undefeated Jr. Middleweight John Thompson and undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas. Anthony is a very good young fighter and he fits the criteria of the type of fighters we are looking to promote as we feel he has terrific ability and great upside potential”

Young is very enthusiastic about the prospects of his being with GH3 Promotions.

“I haven’t had the privilege of having a promoter in my first six fights and this is a move in the right direction. Today is a good day in my career and look forward to working with everyone with GH3 Promotions”

Young is managed by Rich Masini and he sees this as a perfect situation for his fighter.
“The most important thing for us was to find the right promoter. I have had a great friendship with Vito for years and it could not be a better relationship between fighter, manager and Promoter. We feel with Anthony’s ability and this promoter, it will give Anthony the best ability to make some noise. We hope to get a fight before the end of the month but we will definitely be fighting March 15th. Anthony is a great kid and is very loyal to his team”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Loew has Nelson's back on climb to top

Veteran boxing trainer Jack Loew has been to the top of the boxing mountain with former world champion Kelly Pavlik and now he's heading back there with rising star Willie "The Great" Nelson (19-1-1, 11 KOs), North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super welterweight champion, who makes his first title defense against Michael "El Magnifico" Medina (26-3-2, 19 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature on this week's ESPN Friday Night Fights, airing live (9 p.m. ET) from MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

DiBella Entertainment and 50 Cent's SMS Promotions are co-promoting this week's ESPN Friday Night Fights show. Nelson vs. Medina NABF title fight is being promoted in association with Steve Smith's Rumble Time Promotions, also Nelson's co-promoter with DiBella Entertainment.

Nelson(19-1-1, 11 KOs), who is the top-ranked American in the World Boxing Council (WBC) ratings at No. 5, is coming off impressive back-to-back wins by 10-round decisions over a pair of previously unbeaten Olympians - two-time Cuban National champion Yudel Jhonson (12-1), on ShoBox, and previously unbeaten Virgin Islands-native and WBC Youth champion, John "Dah Rock" Jackson (13-1, 12 KOs), for the vacant NABF super welterweight title.

Back in 2007, Pavlik got his first big break by stopping Edison Miranda in the seventh-round of an HBO Championship Boxing card in Memphis, headlined by Jermain Taylor and his decision victory over Cory Spinks. The nationally televised win positioned Pavlik for his next fight, in which he captured the World Boxing Council (WBA) and WBC middleweight titles by knocking out defending champion Taylor in the seventh round, propelling Kelly into stardom.

Loew, respectfully, believes that Medina could be a stepping-stone for Nelson like Miranda was for Pavlik. "I know it's a waiting game, Loew said. "I've been there with Kelly. We waited until he got Miranda. Willie knows I've been there before and he trusts me in his corner. Medina is a tough, dangerous kid who has a golden opportunity fighting Willie. Medina is coming to fight but he's wide open, fighting a taller opponent (Nelson is 6' 4") who has a long reach (84"). If he does what he's told and follows our game plan, Willie wins hands down, probably by knockout."

Medina, ranked No. 17 by the WBC, has been stopped only once, by Saul Roman. He now has a hot trainer, Eric Brown, working his corner as chief second. Brown, who is a top trainer at Freddie Roach's famed Wild Card Gym in Hollywood (CA), gained international attention last year for his work with world champions Peter Quillin and Paulie Malignagg

"Jack can hold his own with any trainer in boxing," Smith commented. "In Willie Nelson, he has the best pure boxer he's ever worked with and Willie, a highly-decorated amateur boxer, in Jack, has a trainer who has proven his ability to develop a world champion. Jack has Willie sitting down on his punches and using his monstrous reach, working everything off his jab and throwing lethal body punches. Jack has Willie using every bit of his many God-given gifts. When I say Jack has turned Willie into a frightening, imposing fighter, I really mean it, because Jack has built Willie into a complete fighter. Willie's going to look like a million bucks too thanks Rival Boxing for designing Willie's new custom trunks. Team Nelson wants to thank Anthony and Russ for doing that."

Nelson had nearly 250 amateur matches, losing only 22, highlighted by gold medal performances in the PAL National Championships twice and U.S. Under-19 Tournament. He has dramatically improved since he moved from his Cleveland home to train with Loew in the fighting town of Youngstown, Ohio, known for producing outstanding prize-fighters such as Pavlik, Ray Mancini, Tony Janiro, Jeff Lampkin, Greg Richardson and Craig Snyder.

"Willie is like Bernard Hopkins in terms of always being in the gym and in top condition," Loew noted. "He makes my job easier by being that way. This is a big fight for Willie because the WBC dropped Vane Martirosyan from No. 2 in the ratings (for refusing to fight No. 1 contender Erislandy Lara in a rematch of their box-off that ended in a draw to become the mandatory challenger to champion Saul Alvarez) and Willie moved up to No. 5. Maybe a big win against Medina gets us up to No. 3. It's just a matter of time for Willie; I've been telling him no slip-ups, no mistakes at this stage.

Taylor hoping to recreate Olympic atmosphere at Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Sunday

Katie Taylor is hoping that her fans can recreate just a sample of the atmosphere that saw her win Gold at last years Olympics when she takes on two weight German Champion, Maike Klueners at a sold out Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin this Sunday night.

Klueners faces the daunting task of literally taking to the stage at the 2,000 seater Daniel Liebeskind designed Theatre as she as she steps into the ring to take on a national treasure. Taylor famously added the Olympic Gold medal last year to an honours list that includes an incredible four World Championship Golds and 5 European titles. Her quest for precious metal remains diminished and the Bray woman has set her long term sights on another Gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Sunday’s bout with Klueners is the first of two bouts at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre with a second bout scheduled for the same venue on Friday, March 24th against Ukrainian champ Yulia Tsiplakova. Taylor says she is looking forward to getting back in the ring and shedding the ring rust accumulated since London. "It's probably the longest layoff I've had since I started boxing." admitted the 26-year-old. "I only took a few weeks off after the Olympics and I've been back training for quite a while now so I just can't wait to get back in the ring again. Boxing in front of a home crowd is always so special and after all the support I've received since the Olympics I want to repay that by putting in some big performances in these upcoming fights."

Promoter Brian Peters has promised an action packed event on Sunday, “Pete Taylor has put together an excellent 10 bout card," revealed Peters. Obviously Katie is the star of the show but she will be ably supported by two time Olympic medallist Paddy Barnes and Katie's Olympic and Bray boxing club team mate Adam Nolan.

"The card will feature the full spectrum of amateur boxing right down to two 10 year old girls having their first ever exhibition bout so in 10 years time they could be the emerging Katie Taylor's of the future. As well as the boxing we want to tell Katie’s incredible story throughout the night and also get the crowd involved and really give people a night to remember."

The event will be hosted by television and radio presenter Aidan Power while filmmaker Ross Whitaker who recently won an IFTA for the documentary "When Ali came to Ireland" has put together some exclusive video content for the event detailing Taylor's punishing training regime and a revealing interview with Taylor. Those in attendance on Sunday night will also be in a position to take home two unique mementos of the occasion. Artist Michael Hanrahan will paint a scene from Katie's fight as it happens with the completed painting given away to a member of the audience while the Olympic champion will also present her gloves from the bout to a lucky audience member following the bout.

Of course Taylor’s opponent on the night, Maike Klueners is planning on playing the role of party pooper and said. "Katie is the best female fighter in the world today but she is human too and boxing is a sport where anything is possible. I know it won’t be easy but I have a brave heart and I believe I will be a very dangerous opponent for Katie."

UNFINISHED BUSINESS April 5th

April 5th at the home of New Zealand Boxing the Auckland Boxing Association (ABA) New Zealand Super-Middleweight Supremecy will be decided once and for all in.......UNFINISHED BUSINESS!!!

MAIN EVENT
Gunnar "The Stunna" Jackson VS Adrian "Terrah" Taihia 2 - NZPBA Super-Middleweight Title 10x3mins

The first fight was one of the best fights in New Zealand in 2012 as both "The Stunna" and the "Terrah" went at it for 10 hard fought rounds before the contest was delcared a DRAW. Both guys put it all on the line and it wont be any different a 2nd time round as they both look to take care of UNFINSIHED BUSINESS!!!

Professional Undercard

Anthony "TNT" Taylor VS Ben Sisam - 6x3min Light-Welterweights

Taylor a former NZ Commonwealth Games Rep will meet Kickboxing World Champ and Strikeforce gym hardman Ben Sisam in what will be an electric Light-Welterweight contest.

Monty "Mad Dog" Filimaea VS James Emmerson - 4x3min Cruiserweights

Mad Dog returns to take on James Emmerson whos making his pro debut. Emmerson a former amateur standout will look to get off to a good start in the pros when he takes on the challenge of the Mad Dog!!!

An Explosive Corporate Undercard will beging the night featuring the following....

Shane Robertson VS Richard Kumar
Xaiver Hall VS Ants White
Blake Coverdale VS Zac Forsyth
Anton Balsom VS TBA
Suzie Ketchley VS TBA
Norm Bradshaw VS Kallum Findlay
Steve Callahan VS Danny Smith
Dom Tepu VS Gerald Huch
Jayson Aloese VS TBA

Miss World NZ Roimata Mitchell VS Heather King

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Manfredo-Spina II Set for March 15th!

More than six years have passed since Peter Manfredo Jr. knocked out fellow Providence native Joey Spina on national television at The Dunkin' Donuts Center in what was, at the time, Rhode Island's biggest turf war.

As they prepare to face one another again Friday, March 15th, 2013 at the Twin River Event Center in the latest chapter of their longstanding rivalry, both Spina (26-3-2, 18 KOs) and Manfredo Jr. (38-7, 20 KOs) are dealing with the fact there's much more at stake now than there was the first time they fought in 2006.

The pressure's higher than ever; Manfredo Jr., now on his second fight since returning to professional boxing in November, will turn 33 later this year, while Spina, coming off consecutive losses for the first time in his career, is 35. Time is no longer an ally, and a loss March 15th could derail both fighters in what is shaping up to be their final run at championship glory.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Donaire vs. Rigondeaux world title unification bout Saturday, April 13

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Caribe Promotions, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, the two world champions will collide on New York's biggest stage -- Radio City Music Hall -- Saturday, April 13 and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. This marks only the second time Radio City Music Hall has ever hosted professional boxing in its 82-year history. The first fight was the Roy Jones Jr. vs. David Telesco light heavyweight world championship on January 15, 2000. ♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT & 50 CENT'S SMS PROMOTIONS UPCOMING ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS CARD MARCH 1 AT FOXWOODS

Lou DiBella, of DiBella Entertainment, and 50 Cent,of SMS Promotions, will host their upcoming ESPN Friday Night Fights card on March 1, at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. In the main event, SMS Promotions' IBF Featherweight Champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (35-1-0-1NC, 21KO's) looks to defend his title against Russia's undefeated IBF #11 rated Evgeny Gradovich (15-0, 8KO's). In the televised co-feature, former amateur standout and now top-ten rated junior middleweight contender Willie Nelson (19-1-1, 11KO's) squares off against Michael Medina (26-3-2, 19KO's) in a 10-round showdown for Nelson's NABF junior middleweight title. The Nelson-Medina bout is promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions. Both bouts will be aired on ESPN's Friday Night Fights beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

MARK DAVIS AVOIDED LOOKS TO CHALLENGE ANYONE IN THE 130lbs DIVISION

Super featherweight hopeful Mark "Too Sharp" Davis is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the most avoided fighters in his division, and possibly even the surrounding weight classes as well. It's not difficult to understand what it is about Davis that fighters find so uninviting because no fighter wants to be the least dangerous man in the ring, but that is the harsh reality that potential opponents face when contemplating a fight with Davis.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Davis collected over 200 victories in the amateurs before turning pro in 2007. Now, with an undefeated professional record of (16-0, 5 KOs) Davis is ready to step up his competition, the problem is he's been met with hesitation from certain fighters and it has proven difficult to secure a fight with an opponent who has presumably seen Davis in action.

Terence Crawford (19-0, 15 KOs), a highly touted prospect in his own right, became the most recent fighter to dodge a showdown with Davis. The two fighters were working towards inking a deal and Davis, who is an unsigned free agent, had expressed his strong desires for making the fight a reality. The deal would've been easy to make from Davis' side of things based on the fact that he doesn't have a promotional company to muddy up the waters, yet it wasn't to be and you have to assume that it was more of a question of Crawford's unwillingness to step up to the plate.

"I was game, I wanted this fight and I thought it was going to happen," Davis expressed. "I don't know what it is, but I can tell you that this fight isn't happening and it has nothing to do with me. The hesitancy isn't coming from my end of things, Eddy can only do so much and at the end of the day we can't force anyone to do something that they're terrified of doing. I can understand that because I don't know if I'd step into the ring with me either, not if I wanted to keep winning."

Although Davis is a promotional free agent he is advised by Eddy Marin and Marin has guided Davis very precisely and has come up with a premeditated game plan for bringing Davis along in his career thus far.

"He's ready to move up to the next level of competition. Mark has expressed to me that he is willing to fight anyone who is willing to fight him, even if that means moving up to 135lbs. He was ready to move up to 135 to fight Crawford, but I guess that wasn't enough for Crawford to risk his status against a superior fighter like Mark," Marin said.

Davis is very deliberate in the ring and he possesses the speed and precision to execute a very calculated attack. His footwork allows him to glide flawlessly across the ring and these attributes are clearly not appealing to fighters that can't match his natural grace. Still, Davis is willing to make the necessary sacrifices in order to land a quality opponent.

"I have the luxury of coming to terms for a fight fairly easy because I don't have anyone dictating my decisions. Eddy and I are on the same page, we have goals we're looking to accomplish and I will make sure that my future opponents don't have to worry about the red tape when it comes to getting a deal done. I just want to fight and I'm looking for an opponent that shares my passion for the sport," Davis said.

Ishe Smith Wins First World Championship With Split Decision Over Cornelius Bundrage Saturday on SHOWTIME

VETERAN ISHE SMITH WINS FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

WITH SPLIT DECISION OVER CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE

Smith Becomes First Las Vegas Native To Capture A World Title

Replay

Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

Ishe Smith captured the IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship and became the first Las Vegas native to win a major world title when he scored a split decision victory over Cornelius “K9” Bundrage in the main event of a special edition of SHOWTIME BOXING at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Mich.

The fight was scored 116-111 Smith, 114-113 Bundrage and 116-111 Smith, who became the 48^th ShoBox: The New Generation alum to win a world title.

In a fight that started slow and was tough to score in the early rounds, Smith (25-5, 11 KO’s) was the more active fighter and took over in the second half of the bout. With Bundrage backing up and mostly on the defensive, Smith moved forward and found success with his right hand.

The 34-year-old Smith, a protégé and close friend of Floyd Mayweather, whose Mayweather Promotions promotes Smith, seemed to be the hungrier fighter and fought with a sense of urgency, knowing that he had to capitalize on his first championship opportunity in his 13^th year as a pro.

“Thirteen years, man. That’s all I can say,” said an emotional Smith fighting back tears of joy immediately after the bout. “It means everything. Five years ago I was about to kill myself and I thought about my children growing up without a dad and I didn’t do it. I don’t know what to say. I didn’t think I’d be here. I’m so happy for the opportunity.

“I got hurt in camp and Floyd asked me if I wanted to pull out, but I knew I couldn’t give up. This was my chance to become a world champion.”

The 39-year-old Bundrage (32-5, 19 KO’s) was disappointed in his performance in front of his hometown fans.

“Ishe fought a good fight, he won fair and square,” Bundrage said. “He was the better fighter tonight. Of course I’ll fight again. I just need to take it to the next level like when I won the world title. I didn’t listen to my trainer tonight or follow my game plan.”

In an interview with SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray, Mayweather explained his loyalty to his fellow Las Vegas resident.

“Ishe is my guy. I love him,” Mayweather said. “When everybody turned their back on Ishe, I stuck with him. Everyone turned their back on him and I don’t believe in turning my back on anyone. SHOWTIME gave him a chance and I have to thank K9 for giving him a chance, too.”

In Saturday’s co-main event, undefeated middleweight prospect J’Leon Love kept his undefeated record intact with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory (100-90, 99-91 twice) over the tough Derrick Findley.

After three fairly even rounds, Love (15-0, 8 KO’s), of Las Vegas, Nev., by way of Detroit, stepped on the gas in the fourth and staggered Findley with a series of punishing combinations that opened up a cut under Findley’s right eye. While it seemed as if Findley (20-9, 13 KOs), of Gary, Ind., barely survived the round, the bulking boxer bounced back and looked to gain momentum in a few of the latter rounds.

In the 10^th, Love, who was pushed past the eighth round for the first time in his career, kept the pressure on and closed strong with a steady dose of right hands and shots to the body.

“It was a tough learning experience,” Love said. “Derrick Findley is a tough fighter, but we asked for Derrick Findley. We asked for a tough fighter. I’d rather have a tough fighter on my resume than some slouch.

“He was very, very aggressive. He gave me some close rounds. but keeping your composure and sticking to the game plan is what I learned.”

The 25-year-old Love had his promoter Mayweather also working as his trainer between rounds in the absence of his usual trainer Roger Mayweather for what proved to be the toughest fight of his career.

“He knows the experience and he knows what I’m going through so there’s nobody better than that,” Love said.

Findley, 28, complained that he got caught with a thumb in his eye early in the bout and that affected his vision.

“I couldn’t’ see after that,” Findley said. “He can’t punch. If he could, I wouldn’t’ have gone forward like I did, but no excuses, he’s the better man tonight.”

Said Mayweather: “It was rough fight. We chose Findley because he’s a rough fighter, but when J’Leon faces a tough fight later on down the road, he’ll be ready for that.”

The fights will replay SHOWTIME on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. ET/PT, on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available at SHOWTIME On Demand from Sunday, Feb. 24 through Saturday, March 23.

Brian Kenny served as host of SHOWTIME BOXING with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi serving as expert analysts with Jim Gray reporting. The telecast was produced by Raymond Smaltz III, with Bob Dunphy directing.

ABOUT “BUNDRAGE VS. SMITH”:

Bundrage vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for Bundrage’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship, took place Saturday, February 23 at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The event was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, sponsored by Corona and MGM Grand Detroit and was televised live on SHOWTIME. The co-main event was a 10-round middleweight bout between Detroit’s undefeated rising star J’Leon Love and Derrick Findley of Gary, Indiana.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Olympic Gold medalist Katie Taylor will be at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar from 1.30pm this coming Monday (February 25th) to announce details of an upcoming bout at the venue.

All Access: Floyd Mayweather - Tease Promo - SHOWTIME Boxing

Happy Birthday to one of My Favorite Prize-fighters and Pugilist, Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr., one of the Greatest of All Time P4P! (Pound for Pound)

Alantez Fox vs. Greg Hackett March 2, 2013 Rosecroft Raceway Fort Washington, MD

Friday, February 22, 2013

ESPN SportsCenter interviews Floyd Mayweather

Avalos vs Araiza

Chris Avalos, 20-2, (15KOs) hailing from Lancaster California, is looking to make an statement, as the sharp-shooter is coming off a unanimous decision over Yenifel Vicente last August.

Avalos could easily be undefeated, as both his losses came via tight-split decisions, an impressive outing would elevate the 23-year old fighter into possible title contention.

Also on the card will be Danny Ramirez, Pedro Duran Charles Dubrai Bouts will round out the fight card. The festivities begin at 6:30PM, doors open at 6:00PM

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.